Bonked Again

I bonked very badly on Sunday. I haven´t ridden much, well at all, over the last 2 weeks as we have been flat out getting the new Hub ready. So, when let loose, a ride to the coast seemed like the best idea in the world. I grabbed a banana and apple (my favourite natural gels) and tore out of Girona at sunrise.

First 30 Km; way under an hour, first climb; easy (still burning off the morning’s porridge). Second and more difficult climb; starting to get tired. Better eat that banana at the top… the apple had already been demolished an hour earlier.

20 Km from home and I really started to feel bad. A tiredness that stopped my legs from spinning, head dipping, a little dizzy, confused and generally unhappy. Such a sudden change from “wohooooooo I´m the Tour de France champion” to “I hate cycling!” How can this be?

Since I have clearly not learned a lesson since my previous blog: https://www.eatsleepcycle.com/i-think-i-bonked/ we decided to ask Gemma Sampson, Accredited Sports Dietitian & Performance Nutritionist (Dietitian Without Borders www.dietitianwithoutborders.com) for an expert opinion.

What is the bonk in nutrition terms?

It’s like running out of fuel when you’re driving in a car. Your body stores carbohydrate as glycogen in the muscles or glucose in the bloodstream to use as fuel during exercise. When you bonk, your blood sugar levels are low and you’ve used up most of your muscle glycogen.

You’ll feel lethargic, lacking energy, sleepy, slightly confused with jelly legs, reduced power and a higher heart rate. It may be difficult to talk and you may feel quite emotional.

What should you do when it happens?

You need to get your blood sugar levels up quickly, so it’s important to eat something with carbohydrate that’s quick and easy to digest. For example an energy gel, dried fruit or some sweets. Follow this up with an energy bar or something more substantial to keep you going longer.

Is it dangerous? Should you find food very quickly?

If your blood sugar levels get extremely low it can be dangerous to your health. But the biggest risk, particularly when riding on the road is the possibility of crashing or injury when feeling lightheadedness, dizzy or confused.

Getting some carbohydrate into your system quickly and getting your blood sugar levels up to normal will help improve your concentration to keep you safe on the road.

How to avoid it?

Prevention is always better than cure! Eating carbohydrates in the form of foods or drinks during your ride will help keep your blood sugar levels up and maintain your glycogen stores.

Exactly how much you need will depend on how long or how hard you are riding, as well as how trained you are.

For rides over 60 minutes aim for 30-60g of carbohydrates per hour. Make a note to start eating early and often, every 20 or 30 minutes rather then forgetting to eat or drink until it’s too late.

As for me, I cycled past a few groups of cyclists before finally swallowing my pride and asking the next couple for a gel. They didn´t have one. I just made it back to the hub, where I inhaled a Coca-cola and swore never to ride again without an emergency gel in my pocket.

Stay tuned for more useful tips on riding and nutrition from Gemma!

Happy pedalling!

To learn more about nutrition with Gemma Sampson visit: http://dietitianwithoutborders.com